In Reply to: Tiragananga palace posted by Deon on Saturday, 2. May 2009 at 13:47 Bali Time:
I recommend Tirta Gangga, where I stayed at Dhangin Taman Losmen in February this year for four nights. It is next to the Water Palace.
My room overlooked the gardens and I ate breakfast in a Bale next to the wall around the gardens. The rate for my room was Rp 100,000, but I negotiated it down to Rp 80,000.
I like Tirta Gangga, but I have to admit that there is no nightlife. From Tirta Gangga, I rode to Tulamben for snorkeling, Tenganan, Taman Ujung and Budakeling. On the way to Taman Ujung, I saw pink chickens in cages on the side of the road, I assumed that they were to be used in cock fights.
Taman Ujung is a large water park with pavilions containing photographs of the Rajahs of Karangasem. Above Taman Ujung is a abandoned hotel. Below Taman Ujung are black sand beaches with colourful fishing boats.
I also rode up to Budakeling which is a small village with several blacksmith forges making simple implements. From Budakeling, I rode up the slopes of Gunung Agung passing quarries where lava is dug out.
In Tirta Gangga your children will enjoy swimming in the old Rajah's swimming pool. In the grounds of the Water Palace there are large pools full of gold Koi fish.